Fit for Life: Things You “Get” To Do
Matt Espeut, GoLocalProv Health +Lifestyle Contributor
Fit for Life: Things You “Get” To Do
When I pass such nostalgic military icons, it brings back memories of my grandfather.
He loved being in the navy and loved telling stories.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTHe was in during WW2 and had pictures of sinking ships.
That’s how close he got to action!!
His stories about his service to this country were not limited to the navy.
He was a tough guy from Brooklyn and worked his ass off every day until he had a heart attack at the age of 83.
When talking about someone lazy he would say “That guy would lay down next to work”. I still laugh, even typing it out.
He lived another 3 years after that, but the memories of him and his storytelling will stay with me forever.
He used to talk about being in Brooklyn, working on the pipelines, brushing elbows with Lucky Luciano in local pool halls, and hanging around with the bookmakers in local bars. He never got involved, but that was his environment. He was a proud man, even though he was poor, and showed gratitude for everything he had, because he worked for it.
When he got out of the Navy, he moved to RI, married my grandmother, and started a family. He bought his first one family house and stayed there for the rest of his life.
I have deep gratitude for him and many others that served and died for our freedom in this great country, and appreciate everyone that works hard now, in order to help improve this great nation.
Last week I wrote about twisting some words around in order to change your attitude and mindset, and at last weekend’s conference I heard a phrase I have used before and say to myself over and over again. “I don’t have to, I GET to” and that saying is possible due to all the brave soldiers that fought for our freedom.
It’s possible because we “get” to do a lot of things due to the freedoms we have, and sometimes take for granted.
Let’s break this down a little.
When you get aggravated because you have to pay bills such as your mortgage, cable bill, visa bill and car payment, stop feeling like you have to and start thinking that it’s a good thing that you get to.
If you are paying a mortgage, you own a home. At one time that was the “American Dream”.
Getting 100 channels of TV is not a necessity, it’s a privilege, because many people can’t afford food, let alone 6 versions of HBO. You used to have to drive a car you could afford based on your income and not a credit rating. So, if you have all these things, you are doing ok. You don’t have to live in a nice house, and drive an expensive car, you get to.
Having a credit card is also a luxury. There was a time that is you didn’t have the cash on hand, you couldn’t buy it. Now you can walk into a furniture store or Best Buy and get $3500 worth of merchandise by signing your name.
If you complain that the bill is too high, or you get in too much debt, it’s your fault. You didn’t have to buy all that stuff, you got to.
Last summer, I told the high school football team that they didn’t have to be at practice on these scorching hot days, that they got to be there. Kids in countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, don’t get the chance to play organized sports. They are running around with weapons, and fearing for their lives on a daily basis, or scraping for their next meal because their parents were slaughtered in a war-torn country.
If you feel like going to the gym is something you have to do, you are correct. We need to exercise and get 30 minutes of movement in daily. Lucky for you, you GET to come to see my team at Providence Fit Body Boot Camp, where the workouts are fun, safe, efficient, and guarantee results. How lucky do you feel now :)?
So next time you begrudgingly get up for work, stop and realize that you don’t have to go. You GET to go. You get the opportunity to control your own success and destiny. You get to choose what type of work you are doing, and you get a paycheck every week for doing so.
My grandfather walked out of the house with his lunch box and a smile every day. He did because he went through the school of hard knocks. He helped fight and bring down a dictator. He lived in poverty, lived without the choices we have today, and was grateful for every day he woke to see the sun.
Stop for a minute and take inventory of all you get to do, all that you have today, and realize that life isn’t so bad after all.
Committed to your success,
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